UN chief calls for cease-fire to end 'hell on earth' for Gaza's children
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Israel and Hamas to allow for mediation efforts to end the worsening conflict.
The fighting between Israel and Hamas must end immediately, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday, renewing calls for a cease-fire and a revitalized Middle East peace process.
“The past 10 days have witnessed a dangerous and horrific surge in deadly violence in the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly Gaza, and in Israel,” Guterres told a special meeting of the UN General Assembly.
“I am deeply shocked by the continued air and artillery bombardment by the Israeli defense forces in Gaza,” he said, adding that he was particularly concerned over the reports of child casualties in the Palestinian enclave. “If there is a hell on earth, it is the lives of children in Gaza.”
At least 65 children are among the 232 Palestinians to have died in the Israeli bombing campaign, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza. Since the militants’ rocket attacks began, 12 people have died in Israel, including two children.
